Computers are important for all college students, but with more than 200 public-access computers at Bard, it is possible to survive at Bard without owning one. Bard's Henderson Computer Resource Center supports several multi-platform computer laboratories, including one open 24 hours, seven days a week. For those students who bring a computer to Bard, the Henderson staff recommends the following capabilities, at minimum:

A car is not necessary. As is true with most residential colleges, social, academic, and athletic events take place on campus within walking distance of residence halls. For those students who do bring cars, parking on campus is free in designated areas. Students must register their cars with the Bard Security Office.

Bard runs a shuttle service around campus and into the local community; the shuttle also makes scheduled runs to local train stations and airports. Bard has a student-run foot- and bicycle-patrol service to escort students walking alone at night. The campus, its landscape designed by A. J. Downing at the turn of the century, has many well-maintained paths, and the beautiful natural scenery makes walking and biking a pleasure. Main paths are well lighted and feature yellow security telephones at regular intervals. Bard security officers patrol the campus and can transport students who need help getting around.

With a mission of providing optimum physical, emotional, intellectual and social well-being through education, prevention and primary care, the Bard College Student Health Service is staffed by three Family Nurse Practitioners, a registered nurse and College physician. The majority of medical and mental health problems can be handled on-site but at times it is necessary to refer a student off-campus for specialty medical services or diagnostic testing.

All students are covered by a mandatory Blanket Accident and Sickness Insurance Program which is limited in scope. Ideally, it should be used in conjunction with other medical insurance coverage. Medication costs are not covered by Bard's insurance plan and any medications dispensed will be charged directly to a
student's account.

Our staff is ethically and legally required to maintain the privacy of protected health information. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Regulations family members, faculty, coaches, employers, etc., will not be given any information unless the student gives written permission to do so.

What science opportunities are available at Bard?

The Bard education emphasizes a fundamental understanding of mathematical and scientific principles and applications that prepares students particularly well for careers in emerging interdisciplinary areas of science. Small classes, individually tailored courses of study, and a total focus on undergraduate teaching help each student develop independent, critical thinking. Beyond its strong science curriculum, Bard offers several innovative science programs, including the Bard-Rockefeller Program, through which Bard undergraduates study the sciences at Rockefeller University, one of the world's premier research universities; the Immediate Science Research Opportunity Program, a research assistantship and scholarship program in molecular biology and biochemistry; the Distinguished Scientist Scholars Program, which provides full-tuition, four-year scholarships, as well as stipends for summer research; and the Bard Center for Environmental Policy, an education, research, and public-service institute on the Bard campus.

Bard has a strong track record of placing its science graduates into top graduate programs around the country. In addition, Bard students consistently score well above the national averages on the Medical College Admission Test.

The Office of Career Development helps students with career planning throughout their education at Bard. Students are encouraged to visit this office for advice on preparing a resumé, searching for a summer job or internship, and identifying their career goals. An "Online Job Board" lists volunteer opportunities, internships, seasonal jobs, and part- and full-time work. A mentoring network helps connect students to mentors in particular career areas. Volunteer work and internships are a very practical way of gaining experience for future employment possibilities and Bard supports students in their search to secure these invaluable opportunities.

There are many work opportunities available on campus for students. Work study is a federally-funded program that runs throughout the academic year. Students typically work 8-10 hours per week. Students interested in campus jobs are encouraged to explore options listed on Bard's website. The Financial Aid Office has an up-to-date list of job openings on and off campus.